Methods for reducing the sensory effects of odorous compounds

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to compositions containing a food product capable of developing a volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compound after packaging, and a pristine metal in an amount sufficient to minimize the sensory effects of the volatile, malodorous compounds at a time of use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. PatentAppl. No. 61/075,993, filed Jun. 26, 2008, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to food product compositions thatexhibit reduced sensory effects arising from volatile, malodorouscompounds and methods of making the same.

2. Background

Methods of protecting food products and beverages from processes ofaging and degradation are well known. For example, refrigeration andpackaging materials have provided means to decrease the rate of foodspoilage. However, even using these methods of preservation, many foodproducts and beverages are susceptible to developing undesirable odorsprior to use, for example, during shipment or storage.

In the case of hopped malt beverages, such as beer, ale, malt liquor,porter, and the like, a variety of volatile, malodorous compounds can beformed during storage (see, e.g., Food Chemistry 95:357 (2006)).Manufacturers and retailers are particularly concerned with theproduction of sulfur-containing compounds such as thiols (e.g.,3-methyl-2-butene thiol, methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and thelike) that have a “skunky” odor and are readily detectable by the humannose even at sub-micromolar concentration. Sulfur-containing compoundstypically result from photochemical reactions, and the resulting taintedbeverages are commonly referred to as “light struck” or “sunstruck.” Inorder to avoid this problem, many manufacturers package their productsin tinted glass capable of absorbing ultraviolet and visible lighthaving a wavelength of about 560 nm or less, with amber and green tintedglass being most common. However, such packaging prevents a consumerfrom viewing a product at the point of sale.

Alternative methods of protecting beverage products include the additionof photostabilizing materials (e.g., compounds containing 1,8-epoxyand/or 1,4-epoxy groups, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,421)to a product, exposing a product to actinide radiation of a specificwavelength in order to decompose, e.g., riboflavin (a compound that canlead to thiol production, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,290), aswell as co-fermenting a product with enzymes capable of removing and/orinactivating specific compounds capable of promoting thiol formation(see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,542).

Solid and semi-solid food products, in particular those that containhigh levels of proteins and/or free amino acids are also susceptible todeveloping volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compounds and/orsulfur-containing compounds prior to use.

Packaging materials can incorporate, for example, polyalkylene imines,alumina and/or silica-containing zeolites, and the like, that arecapable of sequestering specific compounds arising from the partialdegradation of food products (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,482,5,284,892 and 5,413,827). However, many materials are not safe for humanconsumption or have other problems associated with their disposal and/orproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is needed is a facile, low-cost method for reducing the presence ofvolatile, malodorous sulfur- and/or nitrogen-containing compounds in afood product such as a beverage and/or solid and semi-solid foodproduct. Thus, the present invention is directed to compositions andprocesses for reducing an unpleasant odor and/or flavor arising from anitrogen- and/or sulfur-containing compound in a food product, such as aliquid food product, a semi-solid food product or a solid food product.The present invention permits all manner of food products to be packagedin transparent packaging without concern for the formation of volatile,malodorous compounds within a sealed package prior to use.

The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a liquid,semi-solid or solid food product in a sealed package, and a pristinemetal in an amount sufficient to sequester a volatile, malodorousnitrogen- and/or sulfur-containing compound.

The present invention is directed to a composition comprising: a sealedpackage containing: a food product capable of forming a volatile,malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile, malodoroussulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof; and a pristinemetal present in an amount sufficient to sequester a volatile,malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile, malodoroussulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof, such that a totalconcentration of volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing andsulfur-containing compounds is below a human detection level at a timeof use.

The present invention is also directed to a process for sequestering anitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or acombination thereof, from a food product prior to use, the processcomprising: providing to a sealed food product a pristine metal suitablefor sequestering a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containingcompound, or a combination thereof, wherein the pristine metal ispresent: in or on a sealed package containing the food product; in atleast a portion of the sealed food product; or a combination thereof,and the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to sequester anitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or acombination thereof that is formed in situ prior to use of the foodproduct.

Pristine metals suitable for use with the present invention include, butare not limited to, gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, andcombinations thereof. A pristine metal can be present as: a film, acomponent of a film, a colloid, a sol, a nanoparticle, a nanocage, amicroparticle, a mesoparticle, a metal-coated particle, a leaf, a wire,a glitter, a foil, a coin, a disk, a stirring rod, a sieve, a filter, ora combination thereof.

A pristine metal can added to a food product prior to processing, duringprocessing and/or after processing of the food product. In someembodiments, at least a portion of a sealed package containing a foodproduct is transparent or opaque.

In some embodiments, a sealed package contains a liquid food product,and a pristine metal is present: on an inner surface of the sealedpackage; in at least a portion of the liquid food product; or acombination thereof, and the pristine metal is present in an amountsufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 1 cm² perliter of the liquid food product. In some embodiments, a pristine metalis present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surfacearea of about 10 cm² per liter of the liquid food product. In someembodiments, a sealed package contains a solid or semi-solid foodproduct, and a pristine metal is present on an inner surface of thesealed package in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metalsurface area of about 0.1 cm² per milligram of the solid or semi-solidfood product. In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present in anamount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 0.5cm² per milligram of a solid or semi-solid food product.

Sulfur-containing compounds can include a functional group selectedfrom: a thiol, a dithiol, a sulfide, a disulfide, a trisulfide, asulfone, a sulfoxide, a sulfur-containing heterocycle, and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, a sulfur-containing compound includes3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol.

Nitrogen-containing compounds can include a functional group selectedfrom: an amine, an amide, a nitro, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle,and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a nitrogen-containingcompound includes a compound selected from: spermine, spermidine,putrescine, and combinations thereof.

Additional embodiments, include the use of a pristine metal as a pointof use device for removing a volatile, malodorous nitrogen- and/orsulfur-containing compound from a food product, as well as the additionof a haloamide and/or a maleimide to a food product or a packagetherefor.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method-forreducing an odor arising from a volatile, malodorous compound by theaddition of a pristine metal to a commercial product and/or a packagetherefor, such as, but not limited to, tissue, air fresheners, perfume,deodorizer, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, and the like.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a compositioncomprising: a sealed package containing a food product and a metal,wherein the sealed package contains a compound having an unpleasantflavor and/or odor in a concentration of about 100 nmol or less. In someembodiments, the sealed package is a bottle that contains a fermentedmalt beverage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporatethe features of this invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merelyexemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited tothe disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claimsappended hereto. The embodiment(s) described, and references in thespecification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exampleembodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described can includea particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodimentmay not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring tothe same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it isunderstood that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art toeffect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection withother embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

References to spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “top,” “bottom,” etc.) made herein are for purposes ofdescription and illustration only, and should be interpreted asnon-limiting upon the compositions, methods, and products of any methodof the present invention, which can be spatially arranged in anyorientation or manner.

Compositions

The present invention is directed to a composition comprising: a sealedpackage containing: a food product capable of forming a volatile,malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile, malodoroussulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof; and a pristinemetal present in an amount sufficient to sequester a volatile,malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile, malodoroussulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof, such that a totalconcentration of volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing andsulfur-containing compounds is below a human detection level at a timeof use.

Generally, the present invention provides methods for removing, reducingor otherwise sequestering volatile, malodorous compounds from a foodproduct that can give rise to unpleasant odors and/or flavors. Thepresent invention permits all varieties food products to have enhancedshelf life and reduced odor. Food products suitable for use with thepresent invention are not particularly limited by form or composition,and include liquid, semi-solid, and/or solid food products, or anycombination thereof.

As used herein, “at a time of use” refers to a time at which: a sealedpackage containing a food product is opened, a food product is removedfrom a sealed package and/or a food product is ingested or otherwiseconsumed. In some embodiments, the listed activities can occursubstantially simultaneously.

A food product for use with the present invention can be fresh, raw,cooked, baked, grilled, irradiated, pickled, fermented, steamed,processed, preserved, and the like, and combinations thereof.

Food products suitable for use with the present include, but are notlimited to, meats, poultry, fish and other seafood, dairy (e.g., cheese,milk, yogurt, and the like), ovalbumin, soy, whey, grains, cereals,breads, vegetables, fruits, fermented malt beverages, carbonatedbeverages, juices, sports drinks, vitamin-supplemented drinks, proteindrinks, health shakes, herbs, spices, candy, pastries, desserts, sweets,mushrooms, soups, creams, cheeses, butters, dressings, condiments,gravies, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a food product of the present invention comprises afermented malt beverage such as, but not limited to, beer, ale, maltliquor, porter, and the like, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a food product of the present invention comprises afermented juice beverage, liquor and/or liqueur such as, but not limitedto, fermented and/or distilled beverages prepared from grapes, agave,apples, pears, oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, lemons, limes,cherries, raspberries, blackberries, juniper berries, apricots, peaches,currants, plums or prunes, anise, licorice, potatoes, wheat, rice, rye,corn, sugar cane, and the like, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, a food product of the present invention comprises a liquoror liqueur such as, but not limited to, vodka, tequila, gin, whisky,absinthe, brandy, cognac, rye, rum, and the like.

In some embodiments, a composition of the present invention comprises acommercial product having a distinct flavor and/or odor that can beadversely affected by a second, unwanted odor and/or flavor. The presentinvention is suitable for use with an aerosol, a liquid, a semi-solid,and/or a solid product, or any combination thereof. Commercial productssuitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limitedto, bathroom tissue, air fresheners, perfumes, deodorizers, soaps,shampoos, toothpaste, mouthwash, and combinations thereof.

The present invention is suitable for removing, reducing, or otherwisesequestering volatile, malodorous compounds that contain nitrogen and/orsulfur. Such compounds can arise from reactions (e.g., combination,substitution, oxidation and/or reduction reactions), between ingredientspresent in a food product, or between a food product and anenvironmental reagent. Such reactions can lead to degradation and/orspoilage of a food product at an accelerated rate. In some embodiments,compounds that can participate in a reaction that leads to an unpleasantodor and/or flavor can be introduced by cooking, baking, grilling,preserving, pickling, fermenting, vaporizing and/or evaporating a foodproduct prior to packaging.

As used herein, “volatile” compounds refer to molecules, species,moieties, and the like that are detectable by a human nose at ambientconditions (i.e., a pressure of about 1 bar and a temperature of about25° C.). In some embodiments, a volatile compound has a molecular weightof about 1,000 Daltons (“Da”) or less, about 750 Da or less, about 500Da or less, about 400 Da or less, about 300 Da or less, about 250 Da orless, about 200 Da or less, about 150 Da or less, or about 100 Da orless.

Volatile malodorous sulfur-containing compounds include, but are notlimited to, thiols, dithiols, sulfides, disulfides, sulfones,sulfoxides, sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds, and combinationsthereof. Exemplary sulfur-containing compounds include, but are notlimited to, 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, hydrogen sulfide, dimethyltrisulfide, 3-(methylthio)propionaldehyde,3-methyl-3-mercaptobutylformate, and combinations thereof.

Volatile malodorous nitrogen-containing compounds include, but are notlimited to, In some embodiments, an unpleasant odor or flavor of thepresent invention comprises nitrogen-containing compounds such as, butnot limited to: amines, amides, nitro and nitrogen-containingheterocyclic compounds. Exemplary nitrogen-containing compounds include,but are not limited to, ammonia, methylamine, 2-acetylpyrazine,2-methoxypyrazine, spermine, spermidine, putrescine, ethyl nicotinate,and combinations thereof.

Odors and/or flavors are generally considered unpleasant if an odor orflavor is detectable by a human. The detection levels for many compoundscan vary between subjects and therefore it is necessary to maintain alevel of a volatile, malodorous compound at or below a minimum level.The present invention does this by sequestering a volatile, malodorousnitrogen- and/or sulfur-containing compound using a pristine metal.Thus, the present invention enables a consumer to ingest a food productthat may otherwise contain a detectable amount of a volatile, malodorouscompound and still be safe to consume. In some embodiments, thecompositions of the present invention provide a food product having atotal concentration of volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing andsulfur-containing compounds of about 100 nmol or less, about 75 nmol orless, about 50 nmol or less, about 25 nmol or less, about 10 nmol orless, about 5 nmol or less, about 1 nmol or less, about 500 pmol orless, about 100 pmol or less, about 50 pmol or less, about 10 pmol orless, or about 1 pmol about or less per milligram of the food product.

In some embodiments, a total concentration of volatile, malodorousnitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is about 1 nmol toabout 100 nmol, about 1 nmol to about 75 nmol, about 1 nmol to about 50nmol, about 1 nmol to about 25 nmol, about 1 nmol to about 10 nmol,about 5 nmol to about 100 nmol, about 5 nmol to about 50 nmol, about 10nmol to about 100 nmol, about 10 nmol to about 50 nmol, about 25 nmol toabout 100 nmol, or about 50 nmol to about 100 nmol per milligram of afood product.

In some embodiments, a total concentration of volatile, malodorousnitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is about 1 pmol toabout 10 nmol, about 10 pmol to about 10 nmol, about 100 pmol to about10 nmol, about 500 pmol to about 10 nmol, about 1 pmol to about 1 nmol,about 10 pmol to about 1 nmol, about 100 pmol to about 1 nmol, about 1pmol to about 500 pmol, about 10 nmol to about 500 pmol, about 100 pmolto about 500 pmol, or about 1 pmol to about 100 pmol per milligram of afood product.

The compositions of the present invention comprise a pristine metal inan amount sufficient to sequester a volatile, malodorousnitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound. As used herein,“sequester” refers to the formation of a chemical bonding interactionbetween a pristine metal and a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containingand/or sulfur-containing compound. Bonding interactions within the term“sequestering,”include, but are not limited to, a covalent bond (such asa metal-sigma bond, a metal-pi bond, a partial bond between a metal anda volatile compound, a metal-carbon bond, metal-sulfur bond, ametal-nitrogen bond, a metal-oxygen bond, a nitrogen-oxygen bond, asulfur-sulfur bond, and the like), an ionic bond, and combinationsthereof.

As used herein, “pristine metal” refers to a transition metal, a groupIIIB metal, a group IVB metal, an alloy thereof, a nitride thereof, anoxide thereof, a sulfide thereof, or a combination thereof capable offorming a bond with a sulfur-containing and/or a nitrogen-containingcompound. In some embodiments, a pristine metal comprises a metal oxide,a metal nitride, a metal sulfide, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, a surface of a pristine metal is substantially free fromoxidation. In some embodiments, a pristine metal has an oxidation stateof zero.

Pristine metals suitable for use with the present invention include, butare not limited to, gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, andcombinations thereof.

A pristine metal can comprise any shape or form that permits a volatile,malodorous nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound tobecome bonded thereto. In some embodiments, a pristine metal is presentas: a film, a component of a film, a colloid, a sol, a nanoparticle, ananocage, a microparticle, a mesoparticle, a metal-coated particle, aleaf, a wire, a glitter, a foil, a coin, a disk, a stirring rod, afilter, a sieve, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, a “film” refers to a layer or coating that is applied toa substrate. Films of the present invention can be applied to a portionof a food product, a portion of an interior surface of a packagecontaining a food product, and/or to a substrate that is then applied toa food product and/or an interior surface of a package. In someembodiments, a film of the present invention consists essentially of apristine metal. In some embodiments, a film contains a material inaddition to a pristine metal layer and/or coating. For example,substrates suitable for use with films of the present invention includeplastics and polymers having an adhesive backing layer.

As used herein, a “colloid” refers to a substance containing particlesdispersed or suspended throughout another substance, such as, a liquid,a polymer, a gel, and the like. In some embodiments, a colloid comprisesparticles having a microscopic or smaller size. A “sol” refers to afluid colloidal system. Most often one in which the medium is a liquid.

Nanoparticles of the present invention comprise particles in the solidstate having at least one physical dimension of about 1 nm to about 100nm.

Microparticles of the present invention comprise particles in the solidstate having at least one physical dimension of greater than about 100nm to about 10 μm.

Mesoparticles of the present invention comprise particles in the solidstate having at least one physical dimension of greater than about 10 μmto about 10 mm.

Metal leaf of the present invention comprises a sheet or film comprisinga pristine metal having a thickness of about 30 nm to about 1 μm. Foilof the present invention comprises a sheet or film comprising a pristinemetal having a thickness of greater than about 1 μm to about 1 mm.

Wire of the present invention comprises pristine metal as an elongatedcylinder, tube, thread or rod having a circular, ellipsoidal,triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or star shape.Generally, a wire has a length at least 10 times greater than a lateraldimension (e.g., a diameter).

Glitter of the present invention can comprise platelets, particles,beads, and the like having at least one lateral dimension of about 1 mmor greater. Glitter can optionally include a light reflective and/orlight refractive surface.

In some embodiments, a pristine metal can be regenerated, for example,by thermal, chemical, biochemical, electrochemical, photochemical and/ormechanical treatment. For example, a pristine metal composition of thepresent invention can be treated to remove a volatilenitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound and reused in asecond sealed package. Thus, the present invention includes recyclingthe pristine metal such that the pristine metal can be used multipletimes.

In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present on the surface of amagnetic particle. Magnetic particles suitable for use with the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, particles containing iron,nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, chromium oxide, MgOFe₂O₃, MnOFe₂O₃,FeOFe₂O₃, NiOFe₂O₃, CuOFe₂O₃, MnAs, MnSb, MnBi, Y₃Fe₅O₁₂, doped variantsthereof, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present on a non-metal supportsuch as, but not limited to, a plastic (e.g., polyethylene,polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride,polystyrene, polycarbonate, an acrylic polymer, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene, a nylon, polylactic acid, and the like), a glass, diamond,graphite, quartz, alumina, and combinations thereof.

Packaging of the present invention comprises any type of package orcontainer that can be sealed. Packaging materials suitable for use withthe present invention include, but are not limited to, plastic (e.g.,blown, foamed, extruded, injected and/or metal-coated plastics, and thelike), paper (e.g., folded, coated and/or corrugated paper, and thelike), wax, wood, glass, metal (foil, vapor deposited and/or extrudedmetal, and the like), laminates thereof, composites thereof, andcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a sealed packageselected from: a bag, a box, a tray, a bowl, a can, a tube, and abottle.

In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present on at least a portionof a package selected from: a stopper, a cap, a lid, an adhesive sheet,and the like suitable for enclosing or otherwise sealing a package. Insome embodiments, a stopper, cap and/or lid includes a material selectedfrom: cork, a plastic, an elastomer, a metal, and the like, andcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of a package is transparent to avisible and/or ultraviolet light. Thus, the present invention isparticularly suited for sequestering a nitrogen-containing and/orsulfur-containing compound that can form when a food product is exposedto ultraviolet and/or visible light.

As used herein, “transparent” refers to a transmission of about 50% ormore. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a package istransparent to at least one wavelength of about 350 nm to about 560 nm,about 400 nm to about 560 nm, about 430 nm to about 560 nm, about 450 nmto about 560 nm, about 480 nm to about 560 nm, about 500 nm to about 560nm, or about 530 nm to about 560 nm. In some embodiments, at least aportion of a package appears substantially transparent to a human eye.Thus, in some embodiments the present invention is directed to a UV-and/or visible-light degradable food product contained in an opticallytransparent sealed package comprising a pristine metal in an amountsufficient to sequester a nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containingcompound generated within the package prior to use.

In some embodiments, a pristine metal composition of the presentinvention is present on an interior surface of a package that contains afood product.

In some embodiments, a sealed package contains a liquid food product,and a pristine metal is present: on an inner surface of the sealedpackage; in at least a portion of the liquid food product; or acombination thereof, and the pristine metal is present in an amountsufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 1 cm²,about 10 cm², about 20 cm², about 30 cm², about 50 cm², about 75 cm², orabout 100 cm² per liter of the liquid food product.

In some embodiments, a sealed package contains a solid or semi-solidfood product, and a pristine metal is present on an inner surface of thesealed package in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metalsurface area of about 0.1 cm², about 0.5 cm², about 1 cm², about 2 cm²,about 3 cm², about 5 cm², or about 10 cm² per milligram of the solid orsemi-solid food product.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a compositioncomprising a sealed package transparent to at least one wavelength ofabout 350 nm to about 560 nm, containing: a liquid food product capableof forming a volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compound; and apristine metal present in a concentration of about 1 cm² or more perliter of the liquid food product, wherein a total concentration ofvolatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compounds is about 100 nmol orless per milligram of the food product at a time of use.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a compositioncomprising a sealed package transparent to at least one wavelength ofabout 350 nm to about 560 nm, containing: a semi-solid and/or solid foodproduct capable of forming a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containingand/or sulfur-containing compound; and a pristine metal present in aconcentration of about 0.1 cm² or more per milligram of the semi-solidand/or solid food product, wherein a total concentration of volatile,malodorous sulfur-containing compounds is about 100 nmol or less permilligram of the food product at a time of use.

Processes

The present invention is directed to a process for sequestering anitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or acombination thereof, from a food product prior to use, the processcomprising: providing to a sealed food product a pristine metal suitablefor sequestering a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containingcompound, or a combination thereof, wherein the pristine metal ispresent: in or on a sealed package containing the food product; in atleast a portion of the sealed food product; or a combination thereof,and wherein the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient tosequester a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound,or a combination thereof that is formed in situ prior to use of the foodproduct.

A pristine metal can added to a food product prior to processing, duringprocessing and/or after processing of the food product.

In some embodiments, the providing comprises adding a pristine metal toa liquid food product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristinemetal surface area of about 1 cm², about 10 cm², about 20 cm², about 30cm², about 50 cm², about 75 cm², or about 100 cm² per liter of theliquid food product.

In some embodiments, the providing comprises adding a pristine metal toa package containing a solid or semi-solid food product in an amountsufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 0.1 cm²,about 0.5 cm², about 1 cm², about 2 cm², about 3 cm², about 5 cm², orabout 10 cm² per milligram of the solid or semi-solid food product.

In some embodiments, a pristine metal is added to a food or commercialproduct by a consumer who purchases the product along with a pristinemetal composition. Thus, as used herein, “providing” a pristine metalincludes incorporating a pristine metal into a food product and/or thepackaging therefor, as well as separately providing a food product and apristine metal, and including instructions for a consumer to mix thefood product with the pristine metal prior to use. For example, pouringa liquid food product through a sieve or filter comprising a pristinemetal is within the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a pristine metal is regenerated or recycled.Regeneration of a pristine metal includes any method that returns ametal for use with the present invention to a pristine state such that ametal is capable of sequestering a volatile, malodorousnitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound. Regenerationincludes, but is not limited to, thermal, chemical, biochemical,electrochemical, photochemical, mechanical processes, and combinationsthereof. For example, in some embodiments an electric potential isapplied to a pristine metal in order to oxidize nitrogen-containingand/or sulfur-containing compounds sequestered thereon. In someembodiments, a chemical reagent (e.g., an acid) is applied to a pristinemetal surface (e.g., copper) to remove any nitrogen-containing and/orsulfur-containing compounds sequestered thereon. In some embodiments, apristine metal is heated thermally in an oxidizing or a reducingatmosphere to remove any nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containingcompounds sequestered thereon. In some embodiments, a pristine metalsurface is exposed to a plasma (e.g., an oxygen plasma) to remove anynitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compounds sequesteredthereon.

The following examples illustrate compositions and processes forreducing or eliminating the odor or flavors of nitrogen-containingand/or sulfur-containing compounds in food products are given for thepurpose of illustrating the present invention and shall not be construedas being limitations on the scope or spirit of the invention.

EXAMPLES Prophetic Example 1

At least a portion of an interior surface of a bottle will be coatedwith a film comprising a pristine metal (e.g., Au) by sputtering, vapordeposition, electrodeposition, or screen printing. The thickness of thepristine metal film will be varied from about 10 nm to about 100 nm.After the film is deposited, the resulting bottle will be cleaned andfilled with a liquid food product, e.g., a hopped malt beverage, sealed,labeled and distributed for sale. The pristine metal film will sequesterany volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containingcompounds that are formed within the sealed package prior to use.

Prophetic Example 2

A metal colloids (e.g., Au colloid) comprising metal particles and adispersion system will be mixed with a plastic melt and cooled toprovide a plastic tray comprising a plurality of pristine metalparticles. A liquid, semi-solid and/or solid food product will beprovided to one or more areas of the tray, and the tray and the foodproduct will be sealed to provide a sealed package. The tray comprisinga plurality of pristine metal particles will sequester any volatile,malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compounds thatare formed within the sealed package prior to use.

Prophetic Example 3

A textured plastic strip will be coated with a thin film comprising apristine metal by sputtering, vapor deposition, electroplating,electroless deposition, or screen printing. The coated strip will beaffixed to the inside surface of a cap, stopper, or lid and placed on apackage comprising a food product to provide a sealed package. The stripwill extend away from an interior surface of a cap, stopper, or lid andcan optionally be partially immersed in a liquid, semi-solid, or solidfood product contained within the sealed package. The coated stripcomprising a pristine metal layer will sequester any volatile,malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compounds thatare formed within the sealed package prior to use.

Prophetic Example 4

A transparent package will be filled with a fermented malt beverage anda pristine metal leaf (e.g., gold leaf), glitter and/or flake. Thefermented beverage will be added to the container before or after apristine metal. In some embodiments, a pristine metal will be addeddirectly to the fermented malt beverage prior to packaging. The pristinemetal will sequester any volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/ornitrogen-containing compounds that are formed within the sealed packageprior to use. The pristine metal can also improve the attractiveness ofthe packaging by improving the aesthetic appeal and perceived value ofthe fermented malt beverage.

Prophetic Example 5

A disposable tray will be coated with a thin layer of gold (via, e.g.,vapor deposition, sputtering, and the like). A liquid, semi-solid and/orsolid food product will be provided to one or more areas of the coatedtray, and the coated tray and the food product will be sealed to providea sealed package. The coated tray will sequester any volatile,malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compounds thatare formed within the sealed package prior to use.

The coated tray can be recycled by returning the coated tray to themanufacturer for regeneration of the pristine metal, removal of thepristine metal from the surface of the coated tray, and the like.

Prophetic Example 6

A funnel will be coated with a pristine metal, and sold to a consumereither as a stand alone item, or as part of an integrated food productpackaging system comprising a fermented beverage in a sealed package. Apackage comprising the funnel will include instructions directing aconsumer to pour the fermented beverage through the funnel prior toingestion of the fermented beverage product. In some embodiments, afunnel can have a traditional conical shape or a columnar shape. In someembodiments, a funnel can be at least partially filled with a porousmatrix comprising a pristine metal.

Prophetic Example 7

A wire mesh comprising a pristine metal (e.g., copper and/or gold) willbe placed across an opening of a bottle containing a liquid foodproduct. The liquid food product will be dispensed from the bottle, anda volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containingcompound will be removed from the liquid food product during thedispensing.

In a related embodiment, a wire mesh comprising a pristine metal (e.g.,copper and/or gold) will be positioned transversely within the headspaceregion of a bottle, and the bottle will be filled with a liquid foodproduct. The wire mesh will sequester a volatile, malodoroussulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compound that forms insidethe bottle prior to use.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate possible embodiments of the present invention.While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilledin the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpretthe claims. The Summary and Abstract sections can set forth one or more,but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention ascontemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit thepresent invention and the appended claims in any way.

All documents cited herein, including journal articles or abstracts,published or corresponding U.S. or foreign patent applications, issuedor foreign patents, or any other documents, are each entirelyincorporated by reference herein, including all data, tables, figures,and text presented in the cited documents.

1. A composition comprising: a sealed package containing: a food product capable of forming a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof; and a pristine metal present in an amount sufficient to sequester a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof, such that a total concentration of volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is below a human detection level at a time of use.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pristine metal is selected from: gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, and combinations thereof.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pristine metal is present as at least one of: a film, a component of a film, a colloid, a sol, a nanoparticle, a nanocage, a microparticle, a mesoparticle, a metal-coated particle, a leaf, a wire, a glitter, a foil, a coin, a disk, a stirring rod, a sieve, a filter, or a combination thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sealed package is transparent or opaque.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sealed package contains a liquid food product, and the pristine metal is present: on an inner surface of the sealed package; in at least a portion of the liquid food product; or a combination thereof, and wherein the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 1 cm² per liter of the liquid food product.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 10 cm² per liter of the liquid food product.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sealed package contains a solid or semi-solid food product, and the pristine metal is present on an inner surface of the sealed package, and wherein the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 0.1 cm² per milligram of the solid or semi-solid food product.
 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 0.5 cm² per milligram of the solid or semi-solid food product.
 9. A process for sequestering a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof, from a food product prior to use, the process comprising: providing to a sealed food product a pristine metal suitable for sequestering a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof, wherein the pristine metal is present: in or on a sealed package containing the food product; in at least a portion of the sealed food product; or a combination thereof, and wherein the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to sequester a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof that is formed in situ prior to use of the food product such that malodorous nitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is below a human detection level at a time of use.
 10. The process of claim 9, wherein the food product is a protein-containing food product that contains food selected from: a meat, poultry, a seafood, soy, whey, an egg, a dairy product, ovalbumin, and combinations thereof.
 11. The process of claim 9, wherein a sulfur-containing compound includes a functional group selected from: a thiol, a dithiol, a sulfide, a disulfide, a trisulfide, a sulfone, a sulfoxide, a sulfur-containing heterocycle, and combinations thereof.
 12. The process of claim 9, wherein the sulfur-containing compound includes 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol.
 13. The process of claim 9, wherein a nitrogen-containing compound includes a functional group selected from: an amine, an amide, a nitro, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle, and combinations thereof.
 14. The process of claim 9, wherein a nitrogen-containing compound includes a compound selected from: spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and combinations thereof.
 15. The process of claim 9, wherein the pristine metal is selected from: gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, and combinations thereof.
 16. The process of claim 9, wherein the pristine metal is present as at least one of: a film, a component of a film, a colloid, a sol, a nanoparticle, a nanocage, a microparticle, a mesoparticle, a metal-coated particle, a leaf, a wire, a glitter, a foil, a stopper, a coin, a disk, a stirring rod, a sieve, a filter, or a combination thereof.
 17. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding a pristine metal to a liquid food product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 1 cm² per liter of the liquid food product.
 18. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding a pristine metal to a liquid food product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 10 cm² per liter of the liquid food product.
 19. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding a pristine metal to a package containing a solid or semi-solid food product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 0.1 cm² per milligram of the solid or semi-solid food product.
 20. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding a pristine metal to a package containing a solid or semi-solid food product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 0.5 cm² per milligram of the solid or semi-solid food product. 